Mixed conditions on first day in Czech Republic

Temperamental weather has once again played its part on the first day in Brno. Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez was fastest for the day after leading this morning’s dry session with a time of 1’56.803 on his final lap of 17. Teammate Dani Pedrosa finished third, just 0.052 off Marc, with 1’56.855 on lap 16 of 17.

As black clouds emerged over the Czech circuit, the riders exited onto the track to begin FP2. Light rain began to fall and only two riders recorded times in the almost-dry conditions (Iannone and Barbera) as all riders returned to the pits for rain tires. Heavy rain arrived and remained for most of the session. Although some parts of the track dried out, it wasn’t possible to change back to slick tires as there were still areas of the 5.4km Brno track that remained very wet, meaning nobody bettered their FP1 times.

Marc was fastest in the wet conditions, with his time of 2’07.846 (lap 10 of 12) and Dani was just two thousandths off his teammate with 2’07.848 (on lap 11 of 13), with Iannone and Barbera’s times from the 50/50 conditions out of reach.

FP3 will commence at 09h55 local time tomorrow.

Marc Marquez

"I am happy with how the practices went today as the track has changed substantially compared with how it was when we tested here. I expected this, and we adapted our setup accordingly in the sessions - although I am still not entirely satisfied. In the afternoon when the track was wet - especially at the start of FP2 - I was able to lap consistently and I felt good which is important. We will see what the weather is like tomorrow and if we can have a good qualifying session."

Dani Pedrosa

"Today went well for us. We had one practice in the dry and the other in wet conditions, and I think that overall we need more dry track time in order to be able to test out different tires and setups. It's been a good day and we can't wait to get back to work tomorrow."

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Location Information

The world’s most famous riders have taken part in GP events in Brno since 1930, where up until 1982 they would race through the villages and western parts of the city on a road track named after the first Czechoslovak President – T.G. Masaryk. The only venue that has hosted… read more.

Location Information

The world’s most famous riders have taken part in GP events in Brno since 1930, where up until 1982 they would race through the villages and western parts of the city on a road track named after the first Czechoslovak President – T.G. Masaryk. The only venue that has hosted… read more.